Mixed Breeds for Dummies

Own and care for a classy dog--no pedigree required!
 
All dogs are unique--but mixed breeds are even more so! The new edition of Mixed Breeds For Dummies helps you count the ways, walking you through the latest on choosing, training, and caring for a non-traditionally pedigreed pup. Whether you prefer mystery mixes or designer Labradoodles, winsome rescues or pampered pups from a breeder, you'll find everything you need to know and more about your new faithful friend--including the science on why they frequently enjoy better health than most pedigreed breeds and often make better domestic companions!
 
In her friendly, dog-whisperer style, professional animal trainer and prolific author, Miriam Fields-Babineau, begins with tips on choosing the mix that's right for you, setting up a puppy-friendly environment, and making sure your larder is stocked with healthy foods they'll love. Once you're confident your new pal is happily settled in, she clues you in on the best (and most enjoyable) ways to exercise together for maximum fitness, finding a vet you trust (and administering first aid yourself), as well as schooling you in the latest animal psychology-based training methods to ensure you both know where you stand (or sit). You'll also discover ways to get to know your friend even better--from exercises to test their temperament to delving into the secrets hidden in their DNA!
* Decide which mix is the one for you
* Keep your furry friend healthy, from puppy to senior
* Establish discipline and overcome common training challenges
* Socialize your dog at a mixed-breed club
 
From walks and games on the beach to cozy nights in your happy home, there's a lot of fun to look forward to with your not-quite-best-in-show but much-loved best friend. This book will ensure you and your mixed-breed pal will live happily and healthily ever after!

List of contents

Introduction 1
 
Part 1: Getting Started with Mixed Breeds 5
 
Chapter 1: Mixing It Up: Introducing the Mixed Breed 7
 
Chapter 2: Designer Dogs: Not Your Mother's Mutt 13
 
Chapter 3: A Little of This, a Little of That: Deciding Which Mixed Breed is Right for You 27
 
Chapter 4: Choosing Your New Best Friend 41
 
Part 2: Living with Your Mixed-Breed Dog 55
 
Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your Dog's Arrival 57
 
Chapter 6: Bringing Home Your Mixed Breed 69
 
Chapter 7: Chasing the Chuckwagon: The Basics of Feeding 81
 
Chapter 8: Grooming Your Mixed Breed 95
 
Chapter 9: Exercising Your Dog 111
 
Part 3: Training Your Dog 123
 
Chapter 10: Housetraining 125
 
Chapter 11: Hup, Two, Three, Four: Good Manners and Basic Training 141
 
Chapter 12: Tackling Mixed-Breed Training Challenges 173
 
Part 4: Keeping Your Dog Healthy 201
 
Chapter 13: Finding and Working with a Vet 203
 
Chapter 14: First Aid: Dealing with Emergencies 215
 
Chapter 15: The Special Needs of Senior Dogs 227
 
Part 5: Having Fun with Your Dog 239
 
Chapter 16: Not Just for Purebreds: Showing Off with Your Mixed Breed 241
 
Chapter 17: Traveling with Charley 249
 
Part 6: The Part of Tens 259
 
Chapter 18: Ten Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Dog 261
 
Chapter 19: Ten (or So) Fun Activities You and Your Mixed Breed Can Enjoy Together 267
 
Index 273

About the author

Miriam Fields-Babineau has been a professional animal trainer since 1978 and is the author of 45 books in the field, including one on how to train cats! A psychologist and zoologist, she takes her work home with her and lives in Vermont with her family, dogs, cats, and horses.

Summary

Own and care for a classy dog--no pedigree required!

All dogs are unique--but mixed breeds are even more so! The new edition of Mixed Breeds For Dummies helps you count the ways, walking you through the latest on choosing, training, and caring for a non-traditionally pedigreed pup. Whether you prefer mystery mixes or designer Labradoodles, winsome rescues or pampered pups from a breeder, you'll find everything you need to know and more about your new faithful friend--including the science on why they frequently enjoy better health than most pedigreed breeds and often make better domestic companions!

In her friendly, dog-whisperer style, professional animal trainer and prolific author, Miriam Fields-Babineau, begins with tips on choosing the mix that's right for you, setting up a puppy-friendly environment, and making sure your larder is stocked with healthy foods they'll love. Once you're confident your new pal is happily settled in, she clues you in on the best (and most enjoyable) ways to exercise together for maximum fitness, finding a vet you trust (and administering first aid yourself), as well as schooling you in the latest animal psychology-based training methods to ensure you both know where you stand (or sit). You'll also discover ways to get to know your friend even better--from exercises to test their temperament to delving into the secrets hidden in their DNA!
* Decide which mix is the one for you
* Keep your furry friend healthy, from puppy to senior
* Establish discipline and overcome common training challenges
* Socialize your dog at a mixed-breed club

From walks and games on the beach to cozy nights in your happy home, there's a lot of fun to look forward to with your not-quite-best-in-show but much-loved best friend. This book will ensure you and your mixed-breed pal will live happily and healthily ever after!

Product details

• Authors: M Fields-Babineau, Miriam Fields-Babineau, Fields-Babineau Miriam
• Publisher: Wiley, John and Sons Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.10.2020
• EAN: 9781119711421
• ISBN: 978-1-119-71142-1
• No. of pages: 304
• Subjects: Guides > Nature; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Nature: general, reference works; Lifestyle, Mischling, Lifestyles, Pet Care / Dogs, Haustierhaltung / Hunde